Apparatus for testing and classifying bobbins

ABSTRACT

A bobbin testing or classifying apparatus wherein the bobbins are fed to a testing station at which two conical scanning members penetrate into the ends of a bobbin to determine the condition of its ends. The scanning members cause a signal generating device to produce audible, visible or otherwise detectable signals which can be observed by the person in charge and/or utilized to effect automatic segregation of satisfactory bobbins from defective bobbins and proper orientation of satisfactory bobbins for delivery to the bobbin changing mechanism of a textile machine.

United States Patent Inventor Appl. No.

Filed Patented Assignee Priority Hansjorg Walk Ebersbach an der Fils, Germany 777.094

Nov. 19, 1968 Mar. 16, 1971 Zinser-Textilmaschinen Gesellschait Mit Beschrankter Haftung Ebersbach an der Fils, Germany Nov. 21, 1967 Germany APPARATUS FOR TESTING AND CLASSIFYING BOBBINS 5 Claims, 11 Drawing Figs.

U.S. Cl 209/80 Int. Cl B07c 5/06 Field of Search 209/79, 82, 88, 111.7

5 l 23 s a 31 30 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,232,764 3/1966 Kochalski et al. 209/88(X) 3,334,740 8/1967 McCollough et al. 209/1 1 1.7 3,368,674 2/1968 Koeppe 209/88(X) Primary ExaminerRichard A. Schacher Assistant Examiner-Gene A. Church Att0rneyMichael S. Striker ABSTRACT: A bobbin testing or classifying apparatus wherein the bobbins are fed to a testing station at which two conical scanning members penetrate into the ends of a bobbin to determine the condition of its ends. The scanning members cause a signal generating device to produce audible, visible or otherwise detectable signals which can be observed by the person in charge and/or utilized to effect automatic segregation of satisfactory bobbins from defective bobbins and proper orientation of satisfactory bobbins for delivery to the bobbin changing mechanism of a textile machine.

PATENTED m1 e um SHEH 1 BF 5 'Inventor M0576 WALK I55: 0710/0 PATENTEU m1 6|97| 3,570, 8

sum 2 or s In ventor 1141mm 4 442 Wm X140 Mar 779 Pmmwmwmn f $570,668

SHEET 5 OF 5 FIG.

Inventor: H/msrmc MM AIIARATIJS FOR TESTING AND CLASSIFYENG ROBBINS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to apparatus for treating bobbins or analogous hollow tubular articles. More particularly, the invention relates to apparatus for treating bobbins of the type having a larger-diameter and a smaller-diameter end and normally consisting of hard paper, cardboard or like material which is likely to be dented, deformed, collapsed and/or otherwise damaged at one or both ends. Such bobbins are often employed in ring spinning and similar textile machines.

It is already known to equip a ring spinning or twisting machine with an automatic bobbin changing mechanism. Such mechanism removes filled bobbins from mandreIs and replaces them with empty bobbins. The operation of the bobbin changing mechanism is satisfactory as long as it receives satisfactory bobbins, i.e., bobbins with satisfactory ends so that they can be readily slipped onto mandrels. A single defective bobbin (for example, a bobbin which is collapsed, crushed, dented or otherwise deformed at one or both ends) can cause lengthy interruptions in the operation of a bobbin changing mechanism with resulting losses in output and other damage. If the larger-diameter end or foot of a bobbin is damaged, the mechanism cannot apply the bobbin to a mandrel or to a spike of the conveyor for bobbins. Moreover, and even if a defective bobbin happens to fit onto a spike or mandrel, it cannot be properly engaged by grippers which effect actual transfer at the bobbin changing station. Similar drawbacks arise if the smaller-diameter-end or head of a bobbin is crushed, dented, deformed or otherwise damaged. Defective bobbins can cause disturbances in many other types of textile machines, for example, winding machines.

It is also known to provide a textile machine with a device which can deliver bobbins to a bobbin changing mechanism in predetermined orientation. However such orienting or reorienting device does not and cannot discriminate between satisfactory and defective bobbins.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One object of my invention is to provide an apparatus which can transport, classify, orient and/or otherwise treat bobbins or the like hollow tubular articles and which is provided with novel testing means adapted to determine the condition of articles to thus facilitate or initiate segregation of defective articIes from a succession of randomly distributed satisfactory and defective articles.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus which can be incorporated in or combined with many types'of textile machines which utilize conical or like bobbins and which can insure that the bobbin changing mechanism or mechanisms of such machines invariably receive satisfactory bobbins.

A further object of the invention isto provide an apparatus which can test and classify bobbins according to their condition and which is constructed and assembled in such a way that it can eliminate at least some defects of bobbins during testing.

An additional object of the invention is to provide an apparatus which can be operated semiautomatically or in a fully automatic way and which can treat a large number of bobbins per unit of time.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus which can furnish visual or otherwise detectable signals to indicate the condition of tested articles.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus which can be used for testing of one or both ends of each of a series of bobbins or analogous tubular articies and which can treat the articles gently so that eventual damage is not aggravated during or as a result of testing.

A concomitant object of the invention is to provide the apparatus with novel bobbin testing, feeding and classifying means.

An ancillary object of the invention is to provide an apparatus which can test, classify and/or otherwise treat bobbins of different sizes and/or shapes.

A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus which can be combined with or built into existing textile machines with minimal alterations.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus which can be supervised by semiskilled persons.

The invention is embodied in an apparatus for treating bobbins or analogous tubular articles, particularly for testing and classifying bobbins of the type having larger-diameter and smaller-diameter ends (i.e., bobbins which resemble frusta of hollow cones) for use in ring spinning or analogous textile machines. The apparatus comprises testing means including scanning means having one or two preferably conical scanning members each arranged to determine the condition of one end of a tested article, and signal generating means cooperating with the scanning means to produce signals indicating the condition of the one or both ends of the tested article. The apparatus may further comprise feeding means for supplying successive ones of a series of randomly distributed satisfactory and defective articles to a testing station, i.e., into the range of the scanning member or members, and classifying means cooperating with the signal generating means to transport satisfactory and defective articles along separate paths in response to the signals.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic of the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The improved apparatus itself, however. both as to its construction and its mode of operation, together with additional features and advantages thereof, will be best understood upon perusal of the following detailed description of certain specific embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. I is a front elevational view of an apparatus which embodies one form of my invention and which comprises a testing device arranged to determine the condition of manually delivered bobbins;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary elevational view of a modified scanning member which can be utilized in an apparatus similar to that shown in FIG. I;

FIG. 3 is a partly elevational and partly vertical sectional view of an automatic testing and classifying apparatus which can deliver satisfactory bobbins to the bobbin changing station of a textile machine;

FIG. 4 is a transverse vertical sectional view as seen in th direction of arrows from the line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view as seen in the direction of arrows from the line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view of programming means in the apparatus of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a vertical sectional view of a portion of an apparatus which constitutes a first modification of the apparatus shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a similar-view of a portion of an apparatus which constitutes a second modification of the apparatus shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a different testing device wherein the scanning members are shown in retracted positions prior to testing of a bobbin;

FIG. III illustrates some of the structure shown in FIG. 9 during testing of a defective bobbin; and

FIG. 11 illustrates some of the structure shown in FIG. 9 during testing of a satisfactory bobbin.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. I illustrates a testing device which can be utilized as a self-contained unit or as part of a classifying apparatus for hollow tubular bobbins of the type having a larger-diameter end or foot and a smaller-diameter end or head, i.e., for bobbins which resemble frusta of hoiiow cones. The testing device comprises a base or main support l which carries two longitudinally spaced holders or guides 2, 3 and a reversible electric motor 4. The latter serves to operate a crank drive 5 which reciprocates two slides or carriages 8, 9 movabie in ways 6, 7 respectively provided therefor on the holders 2 and 3. The carriages 8, 9 include upstanding brackets or carriers i0, 11 for two sensing or scanning members 12, R3. The signal generating unit or" the testing device is denoted by the numeral 14. The control panel 17 of the testing device comprises two pushbuttons 15, 16 one of which can serve to start the motor 4 in one direction and to thereupon arrest the motor, and the other of which can start the motor in the other direction and can aiso serve to arrest the motor.

The crank drive 5 comprises a crankshaft 18 with two crank pins 19, 20 which are coupled to connecting rods 21, 22. The outer ends of the connecting rods 21, 22 are coupled to upright links 23, 24 for horizontal rods 25, 26 which are respectively slidable in the brackets 10, ll. Cushioning means here shown as yieldable helicai expansion springs 27, 28 are respectively inserted between the parts 23, and 24, 11 to bias the carriages 8, 9 toward each other to the extent permitted by flanges at the inner ends of the rods 25, 26. The rods 25, 26 are nonrotatably reciprocable in the brackets 10, 11. it will be seen that the scanning members l2, 13 are movable away from each other in response to deformation of springs 27, 28.

The signal generating unit 14 comprises an electric circuit which includes an energy source 29 (eg, one or more batteries), a lamp 30 and a switch having contacts 31, 32 respectively mounted at the inner ends of the carriages 8 and 9. if desired, the lamp 30 can be replaced by a bell or by another device which can produce audible, visible or other readily detectable signals.

The scanning members i2, R3 are of identical construction. As shown in the right-hand part of FIG. l, the scanning member 13 comprises two coaxial frustoconical portions 34, 35 defining an annular shoulder 33. A second annular shoulder 36 is provided on the bracket 1?. at the base of the outer frustoconical portion 35. The dimensions of the smaller or inner portion 34 are selected in such a way that it can enter with minimal clearance the head (i.e., the smaller-diameter end) of a satisfactory bobbin whereby the end face of the head abuts against the shoulder 33. The larger or outer frustoconical portion can fit with minimal clearance into the foot (larger-diameter end) of a satisfactory bobbin whereby the end face of the foot abuts against the shoulder 36. Bobbins of the just outlined type are normally employed in ring spinning or analogous textile machines. If the head or the foot of a bobbin is damaged (for example, dented, out of round or flattened), a certain length of the frustoconical portion 34 or 35 will be unable to enter the head or foot and the unit 14 will fail to generate a signal, i.e., the absence of a signal is a signal indicating that the tested bobbin is defective.

THE OPERATION The person in charge grasps a bobbin and holds its ends in the space between the scanning members 12 and 13. This can be performed with one hand whiie the other hand depresses the pushbutton of the control panel 17 whereby the motor 4 is started to rotate the crank drive 5 in a direction to move the scanning members 12, 13 toward each other. Depending on the orientation of the bobbin, i.e., depending on whether the head or the foot of such bobbin is adjacent to the scanning member 12, the frustoconical portion 34 of one scanning member penetratessinto the head and the frustoconical portion 35 of the other scanning member penetrates into the foot of a satisfactory bobbin to such an extent that the end face of the foot abuts against one of the shoulders 36. The switch including the contacts 31, 32 is then closed and the lamp 30 produces a visible signal which indicates to the operator that the bobbin is satisfactory. The operator then actuates the pushbutton 16 to move the scanning members l2, l3 apart so that the freshly tested bobbin can be removed from the testing device to be placed onto a conveyor for delivery to the bobbin changing mechanism of a textile machine or to another destination. It is normally preferred to design the controls for the motor 4 in such a way that the motor is arrested automatically with a delay following depression of the pushbutton l6 and remains idle until the operator again decides to depress the pushbutton 15.

For testing of bobbins of certain length, the controls of the motor 4 can be assembled in such a way that the crankshaft l8 completes one full revolution in response to each starting impulse for the motor whereby the contacts 31, 32 close when the distance between the scanning members 12, 13 is reduced to a value which is indicative of a satisfactory bobbin.

If the head and/or the foot of a bobbin which is held between the scanning members 12, i3 is defective, for example, if the head or the foot is crushed or dented or flattened or of oval cross-sectional outline, the defective end of the bobbin prevents sufficient penetration of the frustoconical portion 34 or 35 so that the spring 27 and/or 28 undergoes and the switch including the contacts 31, 32 remains open. The motor 4 can run because the rods 25, 26 simply slide with reference to the brackets 10, ll of the corresponding carriages. The operator notes the absence of a signal and, upon removal from the space between the scanning members 12, 13 places the freshly tested bobbin into a container for defective bobbins or onto a conveyor which transports defective bobbins to a further destination.

The bias of springs 27, 28 can be readily selected in such a way that a slightly deformed bobbin is restored to proper shape. For example, these springs can be made strong enough to change the oval shape of a head or foot to circular shape or to eliminate nrinor dents in the end portions of a bobbin. Another important advantage of the testing device shown in H0. 1 is that it can detect damage to or deformation of either end of a bobbin and that both ends are properly tested irrespective of the orientation of the bobbin during testing, i.e., regardless of whether the head is engaged by the scanning member 12 or 13. Of course, the bias of the springs 27, 28 should normally be strong enough to insure that the scanning member 12 and/or i3 is automatically separated from the adjoining end of a freshly tested bobbin when the motor 4 is operated in a direction to move the links 23, 24 away from each other.

HO. 2 illustrates a portion of a slightly modified testing device. The scanning member 13 shown in HS. 2 has shoulders 33, 36' and two frustoconical portions corresponding to the portions 34, 35 of the member 13 in HO. 2. However, the signal generating unit comprises at ieast two switches 37, 38 having movable contacts 40, 39 which normally extend slightly beyond the shoulders 33, 36'. The circuit of switches 37, 38 include one or two lamps which light up when the corresponding movable contacts are engaged by the end face of a head or foot on a bobbin. It will be seen that parts of the signal generating unit can be mounted directly on a scanning member. It is preferred to employ four switches, i.e., two switches on each of the two scanning members, so that the operator can see whether or not the head and/or the foot of a bobbin is defective. it is also possible to employ different lamps to indicate the condition of the head and foot of a bobbin. ln this way, the operator can more readily detect whether the signal indicating satisfactory condition has been generated by the foot or by the head of the bobbin. The structure of FIG. 2 enables the operator to segregate bobbins with defective heads from bobbins with defective feet and also to segregate satisfactory bobbins from defective bobbins.

The structure shown in HQ. 1 (with scanning members 13, 13 or with scanning members of the type shown in FIG. 2) constitutes one of the simplest forms of my apparatus. Thus, the feeding of bobbins is done by hand and satisfactory bobbins are segregated from defective bobbins by hand.

The apparatus of FIGS. 3 to 5 comprises a testing device and automatic feeding and classifying units which respectively insure that the testing device receives randomly distributed defective and satisfactory bobbins one after the other and that each tested bobbin is caused to advance along one of two separate paths, depending upon whether the bobbin is satisfactory or defective. The feeding unit is denoted by the numeral 40, the testing device by the numeral 41, the classifying unit by the numeral 42, and the programming means for the drives of the device 41 and units 46, 42 by the numeral 43. The feeding unit 40 comprises a conveyor in the form of a chute 44 the upper end of which'receives empty bobbins 45 by way of a funnel or the like, not shown. A blocking or distancing device 47' is provided in the feeding unit 40 to maintain the stack of bobbins 45 in the chute 44 away from contact with the bobbin which is located at the testing station. The distancing device 47 comprises a reversible motor 46 which reciprocates a gate 47 movable into or away from registry with the lower or discharge end of the chute 44.

The testing device M is somewhat similar to the testing device of FIG. 1. It comprises two. scanning members 48, 49 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) each of which resembles a cone or a single frustum of a cone (thus, the shoulders 33, 33 shown in FIG. I and 2 are not needed). The tips of the scanning members are preferably pointed so that they can readily find their way into the adjoining ends of a bobbin 45 at the testing station. The crank drive 5 of FIG. 1 is replaced by a rack and pinion drive receiving motion from a reversible motor 4. The output shaft of the motor 4 carries a pinion (see particularly FIG. 5) which meshes with two parallel racks 50, 51 having arms 52, 53 which are attached to the scanning members 48, 49. The racks 50, 51 are reciprocable in ways 54, 55 and respectively carry contacts 57, 56 which form a switch. This switch is closed when the scanning members 48, 49 penetrate into the ends of a satisfactory bobbin 45 in a manner as shown in FIG. 5. The aforementioned pinion on the output shaft of the motor 4 receives torque by way of a slip clutch (e.g., a customary friction clutch) to make sure that the scanning members 48, 49

are not damaged when they engage the ends of a defective bobbin. The motor 4' then continues to rotate its output shaft but the pinion is at a standstill so that the racks 50, SI are held against further movement. The friction clutch also insures that the motor 4' can continue to rotate its output shaft when the switch including the contacts 56, 57 is closed, i.e., when the scanning members 48, 49 are moved to positions at such a distance from each other which is indicative of a satisfactory bobbin. The contact 56, 57 are electrically insulated form the racks 5t), 51. The absence of a signal (namely, the failure of contacts 56, 57 to engage each other and to thus complete a circuit) is a negative signal which is detected by the programming means 43 and is employed to segregate the defective bobbin from satisfactory bobbins.

The classifying unit 42 comprises two conveyors (here shown as chutes 58, 59) which respectively receive and transport satisfactory and defective bobbins. The chute 5b transports satisfactory bobbins to or forms part of a conveyor system which includes an endless belt or chain at a level below the discharge end of the chute 58 and transports satisfactory bobbins directly to an automatic bobbin changing mechanism (not shown) which slips satisfactory bobbins onto mandrels in a manner not forming part of the present invention. The chute 59 conveys defective bobbins to a collecting receptacle, not shown.

The classifying unit 42 further comprises a platelike closure or lid 62 which is connected with a rack 61 meshing with a pinion on the output shaft of a reversible electric motor 66. In the position shown in FIG. 3, the lid 62 closes the intake end or inlet of the chute 58. If moved to its left-hand end position (namely, beyond the position shown in FIG. 3), the lid 62 places its window 63 into registry with the inlet of the chute 58 to permit entry of a satisfactory bobbin and simultaneously closes the intake end or inlet of the chute 59 for defective bobbins. The window 63 is an elongated slot which extends at right angles to the plane of FIG. 3. v

The apparatus further comprises a combined gripping and transporting device including two grippers or jaws 64. 65 serving to hold a freshly tested bobbin at the testing station or to transport a freshly tested defective bobbin into registry with the inlet of the chute 59. The jaw 65 is-rigid with a rack 66 in mesh with a pinion provided on the output shaft of a reversible electric motor 67. The jaw 64 is connected with a springbiased piston in a cylinder 68 which is affixed to a rack 69 meshing with a pinion on the output shaft of a reversible elec tric motor 70. The rack 69 carries an actuating member or trip 7il which can actuate a fixed limit switch 72 forming part of the programming means 43. The rack 66 has two projections 72, 73 the former of which engages a first fixed stop in the right-hand end position of the jaw 65 and the latter of which engages a stop 74 at the inlet of the chute 59 in the left-hand end position of the jaw 65, as viewed in FIG. 3.

A tilting or orienting device in the chute 58 serves as a means for insuring that the chute 58 conveys satisfactory bobbins in a predetermined orientation, preferably in such a way that the foot of a bobbin is located at its lower end. This tilting device comprises a knife edge 75 which is installed in the inlet of the chute 58 and extends transversely of the testing station, i.e., midway or substantially midway between the scanning members 48, 49 and at right angles to the axis of that bobbin 45 which is engaged by such scanning members. As shown in FIG. 4, the inlet of the chute 58 tapers downwardly so that a bobbin which is tilted by the knife edge 75 automatically pivots not unlike a balance beam and moves, with its heavier end leading, toward the narrow cylindrical or tubular major portion 76 of the chute 58. The diameter of the major portion 76 exceeds somewhat the external diameter of the foot of a bobbin 45. Since the foot is normally heavier than the head of a bobbin, the foot automatically enters the major portion 76 ahead of the head so that the aforementioned belt or chain below the discharge end of the chute 58receives satisfactory bobbins in an optimum orientation for further processing.

The operation of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 3=to 5 is as follows:

It is assumed that a testing operation is completed and that the testing station is empty. The gate 47 is held in the operative position shown in FIG. 3 so that it prevents the lowermost bobbin 45 in the chute 44 from descending into the space between the jaws 64, 65, Le, from entering the testing station. The scanning members 48, 49 are held in their outer end positions at a maximum distance from each other and the jaw 65 is held in the position shown in FIG. 3 but the jaw 64 is held in retracted position, namely, to the right of the position shown in FIG. 3. The lid 62 is held in the position of FIG. 3 so that it overlies and closes the inlet of the chute 58. The programming means 43 then starts a fresh cycle in that the motor 46 receives a signal to rotate its pinion in a direction to move the gate 47 to the right and away from the position shown in FIG. 3 whereby the lower most bobbin 45 is free to leave the chute 44 by gravity and enters the testing station. The lower most bobbin 45 comes to rest on the platelike front end portion 77 of the lid 62. The operation of the motor 46 is then reversed so that the gate 47 reassumes the position shown in FIG. 3 and thereby lifts the stack of bobbins in the chute 44 above and away from the bobbin which rests on the front end portion 77. The programming means 43 thereupon starts the motor 4' so that the racks 5t), 5t move toward the end positions shown in FIG. 5 and thereby move the scanning members 48, 49 toward each other. These scanning members enter the adjoining ends of the bobbin 45 at the testing station. As stated before, the pinion which meshes with the rack 50, 51 is driven by a slip clutch so that the racks are arrested automatically when the conical scanning members 48, 49 encounter a predetermined opposition to further penetration into the corresponding ends of the bobbin 45. The heretofore described steps of a cycle are the same for a satisfactory or an unsatisfactory bobbin with the important exception, of course, that the minimum distance between the scanning members 48, 49 is less when the article engaged by these members is a satisfactory bobbin and that such distance is greater (at the moment when the racks 50, 51

cease to move relative to each other) if the tested article is a defective bobbin.

When the bobbin is satisfactory, the switch including the contacts 56, 57 closes whereby the programming means 43 receives a signal which is indicative of a satisfactory bobbin. The programming means 43 then starts the motor 70 so that the rack 69 moves the jaw 64 toward the position shown in FIG. 3 whereby the satisfactory bobbin is gripped by the jaws 64, 65. The programming means 43 also starts the motor 4 in reverse so that the racks 50, SI move the scanning members 48, 49 away from each other whereby the scanning members are extracted from the respective ends of the satisfactory bobbin because the latter is held by the jaws 64, 65. The motor 6i) is started to move the lid 62 to the left, i.e., beyond the position shown in FIG. 3, so that the window 63 registers with the inlet of the chute 58 and the inlet of the chute 59 is closed by the front end portion 77. In the next step, the programming means 43 causes the motor 70 to disengage the jaw 64 from the satisfactory bobbin whereby the latter descends by gravity and is tilted by the knife edge 75 so that is foot swings downwardly and enters the major portion 76 of the chute 58 to advance toward the aforementioned belt. During gravitational descent from the testing station, the satisfactory bobbin remains in substantially horizontal position until its median portion strikes the knife edge 75. The foot and the head of a satisfactory bobbin are indicated in'FIG. 3 by the numerals I02 and 103. As stated before, the foot 102 is normally heavier than the head I03 so that the knife edge 75 automatically effects proper orientation of a satisfactory bobbin during travel toward the upper end of the major portion 76 of the chute 58. Furthermore, and when the apparatus of FIGS. 3 to tests a satisfactory bobbin, such bobbin is automatically shifted somewhat to the right or to the left, as viewed in FIG. 4, because the conical scanning member 48 or 49 penetrates deeper into a foot 102 than into a head 103. Thus, the center of gravity of a tested bobbin is not in line with the knife edge 75 when the jaw 64 moves away from the testing station to release a satisfactory bobbin for gravitational descent toward the knife edge 75. In other words, the head I03 of a bobbin at the testing station is always nearer to the knife edge 75 than the foot 102 as soon as the scanning members 48, 49 reach their inner end positions during testing of a satisfactory bobbin. This takes place regardless of whether the foot 102 is tested by the scanning member 48 or 49.

If the contact 57 fails to engage the contact 56 during testing of a bobbin, this represents a signal. which is detected by the programming means 43 and the latter thereupon carries out a different series of operations. The jaw 64 is caused to move into engagement with the defective bobbin at the testing station so that such bobbin is gripped between the jaws 64 and 65. The motor 4 is stated in a direction to extract the scanning members 43, 49 from the adjoining ends of the defective bobbin and the motors 67, 70 are started in directions to move the jaws 64, 65 to the left, i.e., the jaws continue to grip the defective bobbin and move it into registry with the inlet of the chute 59. When the trip 71 on the rack 69 actuates the limit switch 72, the programming means 43 arrests the motor 70.but continues to complete the circuit of the motor 67 so that the jaw 65 moves away from the jaw 64 and permits the defective bobbin to drop into the chute 59. The thus discarded bobbin travels through the chute 59 and into a collecting receptacle. The programming means 43 thereupon returns the jaw 65 to the position shown in FIG. 3 and simultaneousiy moves the jaw 64 to the right and beyond the position of FiG. 3. The apparatus is then ready to test the next-following bobbin, i.e., that bobbin which rests on the gate 47. Each cycle is started and terminated in a fully automatic way. For example, the programming means 43 may comprise a timer which causes the motor 46 to open the gate 47 at predetermined intervals whose length is sufficient to insure transfer of a previously treated bobbin into the chute 58 or 59 before the gate 47 opens again to admit a fresh bobbin into the testing station.

It is clear that the apparatus of FIGS. 3 to 5 can be modified in a number of ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For the sake of simplicity, FIG. 3 illustrates a separate motor for each movable part or for each group of cooperating movable parts (such as the motor 4' which reciprocates the racks 50, 51 and scanning members 48, 49). However, it is equally within the purview of my invention to employ fewer motors and to transmit motion to other movable parts by way of suitable transmissions.

The exact design of programming means 43 forms no part of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates schematically one form of programming means which can be utilized with advantage in the apparatus of FIG. 3. This programming means comprises a drum 96 (indicated by phantom lines) which is driven at a constant speed by a motor 91 or the like. The drum carries a set of suitably distributed cams or trips which can actuate a set of electric switches 4", 4", 46, 46", 60, 60", 67, 67", 70, 70" and 95. Each cam on the drum 90 can actuate a single switch or two or more switches. FIG. 6 further shows the aforementioned limit switch '72. The interval required for one complete revolution of the drum 90 corresponds to a complete cycle. The switches 46, 46" control the motor 46 in such a way that closing of the switch 46 causes the motor to move the gate 47 to open position and that the closing of switch 46 causes the motor 46 to return the gate to closed position. The switch 4 closes when the motor 4' is to move the scanning members 48, 49 toward each other, and the switch 4" closes when the motor 4 is to be operated in reverse so as to extract the scanning members from the adjoining ends of a freshly tested bobbin while the bobbin is gripped by the jaws 64, 65. The switch 70' closes when the motor 70 is to move the jaw 64 in a direction to the left (toward or even beyond the position shown in FIG. 3), and the switch 70 is closed when the motor 70 is to move the jaw 64 in a direction to the right or to the left, depending on the position of a two-way switch which includes fixed contacts 70a, 70b and a movable contact 70". The switch 67' is closed when the motor 67 is to move the jaw 65 in a direction to the left, i.e., from the position shown in FIG. 3, and the switch 67" closes to start the motor 67 in opposite direction and to return the rack 66 to the illustrated position. The switch 60' closes when the motor 60 should shift the M62 in a direction to the left, and the switch 60 closes to move the lid 62 in a direction to the right when the programming means 43 maintains a further switch 60" in closed position. When the switch 60" is open, the lid 62 remains in its position. The programming means of FIG. 6 further comprises a relay 92 which has inputs 93 and 94. The input 94 is connected with the limit switch 72 and the input 93 connected with the contacts 56, 57 by way of a negation circuit 104. The relay 92 is further connected with the aforementioned switch 95 which is actuated on termination of a testing step and leaves the switch 60 and contact 70' in solid line positions in response to a signal which indicates a satisfactory bobbin (zero signal). When the switch 95 receives a different signal which is indicative of a defective bobbin, the switch 60" and contact 70" are caused to change their positions, i.e., to assume the positions indicated by broken lines. The limit switch 72 is actuated during expulsion or removal of a defective bobbin (when the jaw 64 assumes its leftmost position, as viewed in FIG. 3) and causes the switch 60" and contact 70" to reassume the solid-line positions of FIG. 6.

The operation of the programming means shown in FIG. 6 will be readily understood upon perusal of the description of FiGS. 3-5.

Of course, the knife edge 75 or another suitable orienting or tilting device could be installed in or upstream of the feeding unit 40 so that each bobbin would reach the testing station in a desire orientation. However, I prefer at this time to employ a tilting device downstream of the testing station because proper orientation of defective bobbins is normally of secondary importance.

FiG. 7 illustrates a portion of a further apparatus which constitutes a slight modification of the apparatus shown in F165. 3 to 5. The laws 64, 65 (not shown in FlG. 7) are employed only to grip a bobbin upon completion of a testing step, i.e., during extraction of the scanning members 48, 49 from the ends of a freshly tested bobbin. when the programming means receives a signal which indicates that the testing station accommodates a defective article (such signal can be produced by contacts 56, 57 shown in FlG. 3 in that such contacts fail to complete a circuit when the scanning members 48, 49 engage the ends of a defective bobbin), the programming means operates a carrier or switching device 96 which is pivotable between the solidline and'broken-line positions of FIG. 7 and carries a knife edge 75. When the bobbin 45 (indicated by a broken-line circle) is satisfactory, the knife edge 75' is held in the solid-line position of FIG. 7 so that the satisfactory bobbin can be caused to pivot on the knife edge and to descend into the chute 58 for satisfactory bobbins. When the bobbin is defec tive, the knife edge 75 is moved to the broken-line position and the defective bobbin is caused to descend along the carrier 96 so as to enter the chute S9 for defective bobbins. The shifting unit97 for moving the knife edge 75 between its two end positions forms part of the programming means.

FIG. 8 illustrates a portion of a further apparatus which constitutes a second modification of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 3--5. The shifting device 97 is analogous to the device 97 of FIG. 7 and serves to move two inlets 99, 100 which respectively form part of or can deliver bobbins to chutes 58", 59" for satisfactory and defective bobbins 45. When a bobbin is satisfactory, the shifting unit 97' holds the inlets 99, 11111 in the positions shown in FIG. 8 so that the inlet 100 registers with the testing station and receives the satisfactory bobbin as soon as the latter is released by the jaws'nd, 65 (not shown). When the bobbin at the testing station is defective, the inlet 99 is moved into registry with the testing station so that the defective bobbin is about to enter the chute 59" as soon as the jaws s4, 65 are free to release the bobbin. The numeral 101 denotes flexible (e.g., bellowslike) portions of chutes 58", 59". The portions 101 are connected with the inlets 99, 101) and enable such inlets to move back and forth in directions indicated by the double-headed arrow. The manner in which the unit 97' receives signals in response to detection of satisfactory and defective bobbins is the same as described in connec tion with FlG. 7.

FIG. 9 to 11 illustrate a further automatic testing device for bobbins 131 and 131. This device comprises two one armed levers 111), 111 for conical scanning members 114, 115. The levers 111i, 111 are pivotable about the axes of fixed pins 112, 113 and respectively support pivot pins 118, 119 for twoarmed detecting levers 116, 177. The pivot pins 118, 119 are respectively located between the parts 112, 1 1d and 113, 115. Push rods 121, 122 are coupled to the upper ends of the detecting levers 116, 117 in the region of pivot pins 112, 113, and these push rods respectively carry elastic contacts 123, 124 of an electric switch installed in an electric circuit 119' which further includes an energy source and a signal generating device 126 arranged to produce a signal in response to closing of the switch. The signal is produced on testing of a satisfactory bobbin. The levers 1111, 111 are respectively biased in a clockwise andin a counterclockwise direction by helical springs 125, 126. The detecting lever 116 is biased in a clockwise direction by a further helical spring 127. The bias of the spring 125 is weaker than the bias of spring 126 but stronger than the bias of spring 127. The bobbin 131 which is shown FlG. 9 at the testing station is located between and is spaced from the scanning members 114, 115. This bobbin is located at a level above an inlet 13% which is shorter than the length of the bobbin. The feeding unit which supplies bobbins to the testing station of HG. 9 may be constructed in the same way as the device 31 of FIG. 3.

The programming means 125 of the apparatus shown in FlG. 9 to 11 comprises a motor (not shown) whose output shaft 132 drives a cam 133 in a counterclockwise direction.

The face of the cam 133' has two convex portions 129 and two concave portions 153, 154. This face is tracked by two roller followers 134, 135 which are respectively mounted on rods 1411, 139 coupled with requisite clearance to detecting levers 117, 116 and reciprocable in fixed bearings flanking the cam 133. Stops 1412, 143 are provided on the levers 119, 111 to limit pivotal movements of detecting levers 116, 117.

The free ends 136, 137 of the shorter arms of detecting levers 116, 117 are engaged by the end faces 144, 145 of the bobbin 131 when the latter is properly engaged by the scanning members 114, 115. These free ends 136, 137 respectively extend into axially parallel guide grooves provided in the conical peripheral surfaces of the scanning members 114, 1 15.

THE OPERATION The springs 125, 126 bear against the levers 110, 11 and tend to pivot them in such directions as to move the scanning members 114, toward each other. When the cam 133 reaches the angular position shown in FIG. 10, the roller followers 134, engage the concave portions 154. 153 of the face on the cam 133 (Le, the rods 139, 140 respectively move in directions indicated by arrows 146, 147) so that the levers 110, 111 pivot in directions indicated by arrows 141, 141' and the levers 110, 111 cause their stops 142, 143 to pivot the detecting levers 116, 117. This moves the ends 136, 137 of the detecting levers 116, 117 into abutment with the adjoining end faces 144, 145 of the bobbin 131 at the testing station. Such engagement takes place while the conical scanning members 114, 115 continue to penetrate into the adjoining ends of the bobbin. In other words, the scanning members 114, 115 continue to move toward each other after the ends 136, 137 engage the end faces 144, 145 provided, of course, that the bobbin 131 is satisfactory so that it permits penetra tion of members 114, 115 to an extent which is necessary to insure closing of the switch including the contacts 123, 124. If one end of the bobbin 131 is damaged (for example, if such one end is crushed, dented (FIG. 11) or deformed to assume an oval shape), the contacts 123, 124 fail to engage each other when the penetration of scanning members 114, 115 into the adjoining ends of the defective bobbin is terminated.

If the bobbin is satisfactory so that the distance between the scanning members 114, 115 decreases subsequent to engagement between the ends 136, 137 and the end faces 1%. M5 the pivot pins 118, 119 move toward each other (arrows 141, 141' in FlG. 9) whereby the detecting levers 116, 117 pivot about their ends 136, 137 (which cannot move toward each other because they engage the end faces 144, 145). Thus, the upper ends 1-23, 124 of the detecting levers 116, 117 cause therods 121, 122 to slide in their bearings and to move the contacts 123, 124 into engagement with each' other to cause the generation of a suitable signal. The directions of movement of rods 121, 122 toward eachother are indicated by arrows 150, 151. When the roller followers 134, 135 engage the deepest zones of the concave portions 154, 153 on the face of the cam 133, the distance between the rods 121, 122 is indicative of the condition of the bobbin which is held at the testing station. Such distance also indicates or permits calculation of the extent to which the scanning members 1 14, 115 penetrated into the respective ends of the bobbin 131. FIG. 11D illustrates the testing of a satisfactory bobbin 131. The contact 123 engages with the contact 124. If the bobbin is defective, as shown in FIG. 11 for the bobbin 131', the switch including the contacts 123, 124 remain open and the absence of a signal at the outlet of the device 1215 is a signal which is indicative of a defective bobbin. The bobbin 131' is defective because its foot (larger-diameter end) is crushed at one side.

The cam 133 continues to rotate in a counterclockwise direction and moves the scanning members 114, 115 away from each other whereby at least one of these scanning memhers is automatically extracted from the corresponding end of the bobbin 131 or 131'. The fresh cycle begins when the cam 133 returns to the angular position shown in FIG. 9. The bobbin at the testing station is evacuated by hand or automatically and is transported into or deposited in a'receptacle which collects defective bobbins or is transported to a device which applies satisfactory bobbins to niandrels. fresh bobbin is then caused to enter the testing station and comes to rest on supporting members 144, 145.. Each testing cycle necessitates one-half revolutionof the cam 133.

Since the testing device of FIGS. 9 to 11 comprises scanning members 114, 115 each of which can'penetrate into either end of a bobbin 131.0r 131', the orientation of bObbillSzzWhiCh reach the testing station is of no consequence. In other words, the head of a bobbin at the testing station can rest on the supporting member 144' and 145. Another advantage of the just described apparatus is that the length of bobbins need not influence the testing operation, i.e., the apparatus can be used for testing of shorter or longer bnbbins without necessitating replacement of scanningmembers 114, 115. 7

The signal generating device 1 20 may include a lamp which produces a visible signal when the switch including the contacts 123, 124 is closed. As stated before,;the structure shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 can form part of an automatic testing and classifying @paratus wherein satisfactory and defective bobbins are transported from the testing station alolig separate paths, for example, in a manner as shown in FIG. 3.

Another important advantage of the structure showri in FIGS. 9 to 11 is that the detecting levers 116, 117 perform several important functions. Thus, and as described above, the ends 136, 137 of these detecting members engage the end faces 14%, 145 of bobbins at the testing station and serve as fulcra for the detecting levers during further penetration of scanning members 114, 115 into the respective ends of the bobbinJn addition, the ends 136, 137 of thedetectinglevers hold the bobbin against axial movement during withdrawal of scanning members 114, 115 toward the outer end positions shown in FIG. 9. In this way, the axial position of the bobbin remains unchanged while the scanning members move away from each other. This insures that the center of the bobbin at the testing station is located on or at a desired distance from the central symmetry plane M1) shown in FIG 9. Con sequently, satisfactory bobbins can be readily reoriented so that their larger-diameter ends 7 are the lower ends during transport toward the bobbin changing mechanism. The orientingdevice can be constructed and assembled in a manner as disclosed in my copending appiication Ser. No. 635,927 flied Nov. 27, 1967. This device insures that the foot of a satisfactory bobbin 131 is leading when the bobbin is permitted to descend into and to travel through the inlet inlet 130. One of two ejector levers which are disclosed in the aforesaid copending application engages the head of a satisfactory bobbin and tilts the bobbin so that the foot is pivoted downwardly and enters the inlet 130? The ejector levers can be actuated by a second cam which is preferably motgnted on the output shaft 132 to share the angular movements of cam 133. A second ejector mechanism can be provided to remove defective bobbins 131. Such second ejector mechanism is energized when the contacts 123, 124 fail to engage each other whereby the thus energized mechanism ejects the defective bobbin in the direction indicated in FIG. 9 by arrow 160 to enter a collecting receptacle 161 for defective bobbins.

The apparatus of FIGS. 9 to 11 can be simplified if only one end of each bobbin is to be tested at the station above the inlet 130. One of the scanning members 114; 115 and the corresponding detecting lever is then omitted and the remaining scanning member urges the nontested end of the bobbin against a suitable abutment, not shown.

Sincethe ends 123', 124 of the distancing levers 116, 117 are closely-adjacent to the pivot pins 112, 113, the distance between these ends is indicative of the condition of the tested bobbin because such distance reflects the extent of scanning members 114, 115 into the ends of a bobbin. If this is not the case, the positions of detecting levers H6, 117 with reference to the levers 110, 111 for the scanning members 114, 115 are indicative of the condition of bobbins at the testing station. In each instance, the positions of'detecting levers 116, I17 alone or with reference to the positions of levers 110, I11 indicate the condition of tested bobbins. If the'angular displacements of detecting levers ll6, 117 are too small, such movements can be multiplied by resorting to suitable linkages of any known design. 1

The improved apparatus, particularly the; automatic apparatus of FIGS. 3 to 5 or an apparatus which is analogous to that of ;FIGS. 35 but employs the testing device of FIG. I, FIG. 2 or FIGS. 911, can be used with advantage in combination with orgin a spinning or twisting machine, especially with a machine which is provided with an automatic bobbin changing mechanism. Such mechanism replaces full bobbins with empty bobbins which issue from the chute 58 of FIG. 3 or from the chute for satisfactory bobbins shown in FIG. 7 or 8. The belt or chain which was mentioned in connection witb FIG. 3 to 5 can transport satisfactory bobbins from the chute 58 directly to the grippers which apply empty bobbins to mandreis. 2

If desire, the scanning member or members of my testing device can be designed to engage the external surfaces of the feet and/or heads of successive bobbins. Alternatively, fhe scanning member onmembers may be designed to engage and to scan the internal and external surfaces at one or both ends of each bobbin. Scanning members which resemble cones and penetrate into the .ends of bobbins are preferred when the bobbins consist of hard paper or cardboard because the ends of such bobbins often develop radially extending dents. depressions or are out of round. r

It is equally possible to employ pin-shaped or similar scanning members whichare caused to rotate and to thereby travel along the internal and/or external surfaces at the ends of bobbins to detect dents, oval shapes, flattened ends or other deformations. If the pinor pins are stationary, the bobbin at the testing station is caused to rotate about its axis or to otherwise move withreference to the pin or pins.

The feeding unit 40.of FIG. 3 can be replaced with other types of feeding means. For example, a feeding unit may com prise grippers which transport saccessiveibobbins to the testing station. Such grippers can also be used as part of the classifyirig means, i.e., they can admit satisfactory and defective bobbins into separate paths. 7

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others canf by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features which fairiy constitute essential characteristics of tire generic and specific aspects of my contribution to the art."

I claim: i

1. In an apparatus for treating bobbins or analogous tubular articles, particularly for testing and classifying bobbins of the type having a larger-diameter end and a smaller-diameter end for use in ring spinning or like textile machines, a combination comprising testing means comprising two first levers each pivotable abouta fixed axis, two scanning members'respectively supported by said first levers, two detecting levers, each mounted on one of said first levers pivotable about a second axis which is parallel to said fixed axis, and cam and follower means for simultaneously moving said scanning members into opposite endspf a tested article; and signal generating means cooperating with said scanning members to produce signals indicating the condition of the ends of the tested article.

2. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said signal generating means is arranged to produce signals in response to a predetermined extent of penetration of said scanning members into the respective ends the tested article.

3. A cornbination a's defined in claim 1, wherein said follower means comprises a pair of followers each coupled to one of said detecting levers and wherein said cam means comprises a rotary cam having a peripheral face which is tracked by said followers, and further comprising means for biasing said followers against said face.

transport satisfactory articles toabobbin changing station.

5. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said signal generating means is responsive to the position of said detecting levers on penetration of said scanning members into the ends of the tested article. 

1. In an apparatus for treating bobbins or analogous tubular articles, particularly for testing and classifying bobbins of the type having a larger-diameter end and a smaller-diameter end for use in ring spinning or like textile machines, a combination comprising testing means comprising two first levers each pivotable about a fixed axis, two scanning members respectively supported by said first levers, two detecting levers, each mounted on one of said first levers pivotable about a second axis which is parallel to said fixed axis, and cam and follower means for simultaneously moving said scanning members into opposite ends of a tested article; and signal generating means cooperating with said scanning members to produce signals indicating the condition of the ends of the tested article.
 2. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said signal generating means is arranged to produce signals in response to a predetermined extent of penetration of said scanning members into the respective ends of the tested article.
 3. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said follower means comprises a pair of followers each coupled to one of said detecting levers and wherein said cam means comprises a rotary cam having a peripheral face which is tracked by said followers, and further comprising means for biasing said followers against said face.
 4. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said scanning members are arranged to scan successive ones of a series of randomly distributed satisfactory and defective articles and further comprising automatic bobbin changing means including classifying means cooperating with said signal generating means to transport satisfactory and defective articles along separate paths from said scanning members and to transport satisfactory articles to a bobbin changing station.
 5. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said signal generating means is responsive to the position of said detecting levers on penetration of said scanning members into the ends of the tested article. 